Købmagergade in Kopenhagen met verderop de Rundetaarn 1880 - 1910

This photogravure, titled Købmagergade in Copenhagen with the Round Tower in the Distance, captures a bustling street scene. This anonymous artist used photography, a relatively new technology at the time, to document everyday life. The process of photogravure involves etching a photographic image onto a copper plate, which is then inked and printed. Notice the rich tonal range, achieved by the varying depths of the etched areas. This labor-intensive method allowed for the mass production of detailed images, democratizing art and visual information. The image itself is significant; it portrays a vibrant commercial district, complete with shops and pedestrians. The Round Tower looms in the background, a reminder of the city's history amidst its modern progress. By using this process, the artist offers us a glimpse into the social and economic fabric of Copenhagen during the era of industrial capitalism. The choice of photogravure underscores the importance of materiality and making in understanding the image's cultural significance. It reminds us that art is not just about what is depicted, but also about how it is made, and the social context in which it exists.